ELGIN—The St. Edward Central Catholic High School 31st annual Tidal Wave fundraiser was a five-day online auction and raffle in July instead of the usual April gathering.

 

Totals from this year’s Tidal Wave included $100,000 from silent and live auction items, raffles and sponsorships. 

 

In addition, a gift of $50,000 from the EFS Foundation made it possible to provide all students with updated technology using Microsoft Surface Pro. 

 

The Guardian Angel fund raised an additional $18,000 to assist students with financial assistance.

 

Event coordinators Mary Kae Hoffmann and Christine Rejman are happy with the success of the online Tidal Wave.

 

The event, Hoffman says, “lived up to its theme of ‘Roaring into the ’20s.’ ”

 

Friends and alums viewed more than 300 gift items on their laptops and phones. Bidders chose to bid on vacation homes, an opportunity to drive a Lamborghini, resort overnights, spa packages and more.

 

Chairmen Dr. Brian and Katie Heffelfinger promoted the event with Facebook videos, as did this year’s honorees. 

 

Honored in 2020 were Dan and Jennifer Davis, patron of the year; Mike Rolando, Loyal Order of St. Edward; AnnMarie Dufelmeier, St. Gregory the Great Award; Msgr. Daniel Deutsch (1980) and Christine Rejman (1988), alumni of the year.

 

“We have such loyal parents and alums who volunteer to help our school and make Tidal Wave a success,” says Katie Heffelfinger. 

 

Over the past 30 years, Tidal Wave has raised more than $2.5 million for the operation and needs of St. Edward CCHS.

 

This year’s cash raffle winners were Brian and Heidi McGuire who won the drawing for $1,000 that took place two days after the online event. Brian received the alum of the year award last year. Their son, Kevin, attends St. Edward CCHS in Elgin.